What are the most common physical signs of alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition. It can affect people from all walks of life and can present differently in different people. But all people living with AUD have a pattern of uncontrolled drinking. Unlike occasional or social drinkers, people with AUD are often preoccupied with alcohol, despite its damaging effects on their health, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Sometimes, AUD can be difficult to detect. People may not recognize when their drinking has become a problem even if it’s apparent to other people. But there are some known physical signs of AUD. Familiarizing yourself with these symptoms can help you know when to ask for help. 

Rest assured, there are effective treatments for AUD. Working with a mental health professional who specializes in substance use issues can help you heal from AUD and regain control of your life. 

What is alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that affects both the mind and body. It causes a person to have difficulty controlling their drinking, despite its negative consequences. AUD can range in severity from mild to severe and, if untreated, can lead to long-term mental and physical health problems. Sometimes called “alcohol dependence,” AUD is characterized by three main criteria:

• Strong, frequent cravings for alcohol
• A loss of control over the amount of alcohol you drink
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or physically uncomfortable when you cannot drink (also known as withdrawal)

If you experience any of these criteria, know that you’re not alone and your drinking does not define you. People can engage in unhealthy drinking without having AUD. For example, binge drinking can lead to negative outcomes in many areas of a person’s life. But binge drinking alone doesn’t mean you have AUD. If you’re worried about your relationship with alcohol for any reason, know that it’s OK to ask for help.

A note on terminology:  Research shows that when it comes to dismantling the stigma that unfortunately keeps many people from seeking help, words matter. So throughout this article, and in Rula’s other content on addiction, you’ll see the terms like “alcohol use disorder” (AUD) or “person with AUD” used in place of words like “alcoholism” or “alcoholic.” This is part of our intentional effort to replace stigmatizing language with more inclusive terminology. In doing so, we hope to help more people feel comfortable seeking the care they deserve. 

Physical signs of alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder, if left untreated, can create lasting health complications. Some physical signs of AUD include:

• Liver damage (cirrhosis, fatty liver, or alcoholic hepatitis)
• Gastrointestinal issues and stomach problems
• Cardiovascular (heart) damage 
• Respiratory (breathing) problems
• Damage to the nervous system

These physical ailments aren’t always visible, especially at first, because they affect the body’s internal systems. But there are some other outward physical signs that could indicate that a person is living with AUD. These include: 

• Changes in appearance and hygiene
• Excessive sweating, especially at night
• Sleep disturbances 
• Weight changes
• Face redness
• Skin infections or sores
• Unexplained bruises or other injuries
• Unsteadiness or stumbling
• Numbness or tingling in the hands

People with AUD will typically experience withdrawal symptoms if they cannot drink alcohol. Some of the most common physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Stomach issues
• High fever
• Chills
• Shakiness or tremors

Other signs of alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can take a toll on the body. But it can also impact how you think, feel, and behave. 

Other signs that you may be living with AUD include:

• Having an increased tolerance to alcohol
• Having a loss of control over your alcohol consumption
• Lying to friends or loved ones about your drinking
• Concealing your drinking
• Drinking heavily alone
• Isolating oneself from friends or loved ones
• No longer being interested in the activities you used to enjoy
• Being unable to maintain responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Drinking large quantities of alcohol or frequently binge drinking
• Experiencing legal problems due to drinking
• Continuing to drink despite its negative effects on your health, social life, employment, or relationships

How to help someone with alcohol use disorder

If someone in your life has alcohol use disorder, know that there are things you can do to help.

• Approach the conversation thoughtfully. Choose a time when the person is sober, and find a private space to talk. Express your concerns using “I statements,” like “I care about you, and I’m concerned about your drinking.”
• Offer some different options for support. Think about the forms of support your loved one may be open to. This could be joining a recovery group, speaking with a therapist, or even just doing activities together that don’t involve drinking. You can also offer to help with practical things, like transportation to appointments or childcare.
• Make time for self-care. If someone you care about is living with an addiction, you may experience compassion fatigue. This is a loss of energy that comes from supporting others. So be sure to make time for self-care activities that energize you. Taking a break and making time for yourself doesn’t mean that you don’t care about your loved one or their sobriety.

Treatment options for alcohol use disorder

If you or someone you care about is living with alcohol use disorder, know that effective treatments are available. While AUD is a chronic condition that typically requires lifelong management, you can lead a full, healthy life with the right support. 

Depending on your needs, treatment for AUD may include:

• Detox: This is a medically supervised process that allows your mind and body to safely withdraw from alcohol. Detox typically occurs in an in-patient setting.
• Medication: There are a few different medications that have been approved for treating AUD. Some work by suppressing alcohol cravings, and others create a negative physical response to alcohol. A healthcare provider or treatment specialist can advise whether medication is right for your recovery journey.
• Residential treatment: Commonly known as “rehab,” there are treatment centers where you live full- or part-time while receiving care. These centers provide a wide range of supports and therapies tailored to individuals’ recovery needs.
• Outpatient treatment: At these treatment centers, participants engage in programming for multiple hours a day, several days per week. Then, they return home or to another location during the evenings. 
• Ongoing support: This may include attending recovery or relapse prevention support groups, group therapy, or individual therapy. Many mental health professionals specialize in treating AUD and other forms of addiction. They can provide ongoing care to help you manage your condition.

Find care with Rula

Left untreated, AUD can lead to serious physical health problems. It can also impact your relationships and ability to function in daily life. If you’re struggling with your relationship with alcohol and your drinking is negatively affecting you, know that you’re not alone. AUD is a serious medical condition, but effective treatment is available. 

At Rula, we collaborate with an extensive network of therapists who offer many forms of care. No matter what mental health issue you’re facing, you can use our platform to find a provider who meets your needs and takes your insurance in just a few clicks. From there, you can begin receiving care as early as this week.

Get started with Rula today